Letter to John Pettigrew, Chief Executive of the National Grid - Lawmakers Press National Grid on Gas Moratorium

Letter

Dear Mr. Pettigrew:

We write to express our serious concerns regarding your company's decision to place a moratorium on new residential, business and industrial accounts in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island until the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation approves an extension of the existing Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co.'s pipeline. Many small businesses are at risk of failing[1], affordable housing units are being delayed[2], and residents may have to scramble to find alternative heating equipment or, we fear, go without as winter approaches[3]. This is unacceptable. Therefore, we are requesting a detailed implementation timeline on how you plan to provide service to the 2,600 customers who are currently in your service backlog.

After reviewing documentation provided by your company, we remain very worried about the lack of gas service to new customers. Though we can appreciate your concerns about the long-term impact on National Grid's ability to sustain gas delivery service with its current infrastructure, in no way does the current plan appropriately address those who require gas for business today and will require it to warm their homes as the weather gets colder. As National Grid is the sole gas provider in the area, those who need the service have no other utility options. Though accessing alternative resources to provide gas, such as purchasing it at spot prices, may not be the best alternative for National Grid, having no heat in the winter is not acceptable for any resident in your service area.

In addition to the lack of residential services, we are sure you can understand how this decision has negatively impacted small business constituents. For example, the Almonte Family was scheduled to open their restaurant in Bushwick in June but have been delayed indefinitely, putting their business at risk. Additionally, a constituent that previously had gas service but, following building renovations, was informed that his request for resumption of service was on hold until the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project is approved which will have a direct impact on his tenants.

By stating that your company will begin offering services only if the application for the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project is approved, National Grid is essentially using customers as leverage to secure regulatory approval for an environmentally questionable project.

Regardless of whether this is an intentional tactic or the result of poor business planning, it is apparent to us that your company's practices are inflicting significant hardship on your ratepayers -- our constituents. It is incumbent on your company to ensure gas service is made available regardless of the status of permits, approvals and construction on any future pipelines. Time is of the essence. We therefore ask you to provide us with a detailed plan as to how you intend to supply service to affected ratepayers by October 11th.

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velázquez

Gregory Meeks

Max Rose

Yvette Clarke

Jerrold Nadler

Grace Meng

Jose Serrano

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